Our final blogpost from this summer's field school is written by
Alexis Kelly. Our last two days were a little hectic, so she will be filling you in on the events of both yesterday and today!
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| Statue of the Madonna of the Snow that was carried down and back up the hill during the procession. |
Sunday, August 6th, 2017
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| Lunch at the yummy pizzaria in Milazzo. |
Have you ever been woken at 7 a.m. by the sound of cannons? Yeah, it's about as terrifying as it sounds, but that's what happens when it's festival day in Santa Lucia del Mela. I, being the jumpy person that I am, woke up in a panic to the seven cannon shots. Most of the students were leaving that day, so we were going to have to get up early anyway. For those of us that weren't leaving, it was an adventure day. We made plans to go to Milazzo for shopping and the beach before the festivities began. Why is that such an adventure you may ask? Well, we were taking the bus and didn't actually know where we were going. With the help of the friendly people of Santa Lucia del Mela, we made it to the bus stop and only had to wait a little bit. Our first stop in Milazzo was a food stop (of course). We stopped at a pizzeria that was a delicious choice and one of the best pizzas I have had on this trip.
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| Underwater high five! |
We milked the time a little to spend some extra minutes in the air conditioning before the walk to the beach. Walking on the pebbles was quite the struggle for some of us because of how hot they were, but getting in the water was definitely worth the burning of the feet. Because we wanted to make it back in time for the procession in Santa Lucia del Mela, we only swam for a little while. Our time was also cut a little short because we needed a gelato and granita stop before heading to the bus stop.
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The beginning of the beautiful colored sand,
wood shavings, and salt "carpet" for the procession. |
Another smooth bus ride and quick like a bunny we were back in Santa Lucia climbing the "Black Diamond" path up to the convent. We made it in perfect timing to see the procession of the Madonna of the Snow. This is one of the most important days of the year in Santa Lucia del Mela. On August 5th every year, there is a procession from the castle at the top of the hill to the church at the bottom of the hill. The procession was unlike anything I had ever seen. The whole town was involved whether, part of the procession or just spectating. There was a band playing as well as prayers being said throughout the procession.
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| The "Tree of Life" featured in the decorations for the procession. |
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| Another part of the beautiful decorations for the procession. |
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The light show projected onto the
building in the square was amazing! |
We watched the procession go by and then went to shower and change to head down to the rest of the festival. Since Dr. Meier and Dr. Reinhard were regulars down at Nicotina, we had a table reserved in the middle of the square to see it all. We talked and had a good time together until 1:00am when the light show began. According to Dr. Piombino-Mascali, this was a new addition. An amazing light show was done against a building. All I can say is that that was one of the best things I had seen, but just when I thought it couldn't get any better, the fireworks started. These were by far the absolute best fireworks I have ever seen. The sky was lit up and beautiful for 15 minutes. Absolutely breathtaking and there are no words that will ever be able to explain it to anyone. In case you were wondering, the fireworks didn't start until 1:30 and ended at 1:45 (this was very late for me and the latest I think I have stayed up).
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| Pictures cannot do this phenomenal firework show justice. |
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| Sleepy students are sleepy on the train back to Palermo. |
Sunday morning was an early one since we did not get to bed until late. But our devotion to the Poker Bar continued today and we made sure to say good-bye to all those that we have gotten to see every morning. After some needed caffeine, those of us leaving caught the bus to get to the train station. Couldn't tell you how the train ride went because I have a tendency to sleep as soon as I get on one here. (I wasn't the only one though, so no one can judge me.) We got to Palermo in one piece and that is where this journey both began and ends. Now begins the long rides home. While I am so excited to go home and see my family and friends, I am going to miss the food, people, views, and did I say food? Here's to the memories, experiences, opportunities and friendships that I made on this trip. It was a trip that I will never forget. Arrivederci, Sicily! It's been real!
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| One of the many beautiful buildings in Palermo. |
